Date: January 29, 2013by: Megan Hoye and Andrew O'Brien

A 53-acre parcel of land under the canopy on Palm Coast Parkway has been sold for $800,000 to Greg Johnston, a Palm Coast man who plans to do with the land what is best for the city.

“It’s a parcel that’s been very important to the city,” Johnston said, “so we’re going slowly with taking any actions and working with the city about what to do.”

The property is on the south side of the eastbound lanes of Palm Coast Parkway. It stretches from Florida Park Drive almost to Colbert Lane. Real estate agent Greg Kong handled the property.

Johnston, a doctor at Palm Coast Dentistry, said he and his wife also plan to ask community members what their concerns and hopes for the land are by going door-to-door in their free time.

“We want to, as much as possible, do something that will work for everyone,” he said.

Johnston has been living in Palm Coast since its population was only 1,500 people, so his top priority is the community, he said.

To Palm Coast City Councilman Jason DeLorenzo, protection of the canopy of trees along Palm Coast Parkway is important, but so are private property rights. So, he hopes the city will be able to reach a compromise with the owner.

DeLorenzo referenced the city’s cooperation with CVS Pharmacy to maintain the oaks on the front end of the property by pushing the development back slightly.

“We can’t afford to buy it, so we have to find a way to protect it,” DeLorenzo said.

Johnston also wants to protect the canopy of trees along Palm Coast Parkway.

“My goal is to see if there’s a way for everyone to be happy,” he said.

— Andrew O’Brien contributed to this story.

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Currently 2 Responses

1.

Wow that is one of my favorite pieces of roadway and forest anywhere. I sure hope it's natural beauty is preserved somehow.

scott adieSat 2nd Feb 2013at 2:27pm

2.

Dr. Johnston: My prayers have been answered. I spoke to the original owners years ago. I suggested he donate the land as a community park to preserve the beautiful oaks and foliage. The park could be named after him as a perpetual memory for his loved ones, and descendants. I hope you and your wife will consider this also.